The Gene Pulser Xcell Electroporation System tutorial provides an overview of system components, applications, and troubleshooting. Specific topics include system components and features, installation, setup of electroporation experiments, answers to frequently asked questions, and list of available parts.

Detailed parameters can be found for each of these cell lines, with details for the preparation of electrocompetent cells in the Gene Pulser Xcell system instructions or at www.bio-rad.com/transfection/.

A choice of exponential or square waveforms. Both exponential-decay and square-wave pulses have been used very effectively for both electroporation and electrofusion. The shape of the electroporation wave can have a significant effect on the transformation efficiency for different cell types. The Gene Pulser MXcell system generates both exponential and square waveforms, enabling you to choose the waveform and protocol that will work best for your cells.

Exponential-decay pulse. When a capacitor, charged to a voltage V0, is discharged into cells, the voltage applied to the cells decreases over time in an exponential curve such that the voltage V at any given time t is given by V = V0e-(t/RC). In the special case where t = Τ, then V = V0/e. The value CR is known as the time constant of the voltage decay. The shorter the time constant the faster the decay.

Square-wave pulse. Truncating the pulse from a capacitor after discharging it into the sample generates a square-wave pulse. The pulse length is the time the cells are subjected to the discharge. During the pulse, the voltage again decreases by an exponential decay so that at the end of the pulse the voltage is lower than at the beginning. This drop in voltage is called the pulse droop and it is measured as a percentage of the initial voltage.

The Transfection Protocol Online Library contains protocols obtained from the literature, developed by Bio-Rad scientists, or submitted by scientists like you. browse protocols to view our library and find your starting point.

Bio-Rad Laboratories has helped scientists deliver molecules into cells for over 35 years. Instruments, including the Gene Pulser® series of electroporators, the MicroPulser™ electroporator, and the Helios® gene gun and PDS-1000/He™ biolistic systems, have been used successfully to transfect prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including plant and animal cells. These transfection instruments are cited extensively in the literature. Our chemically mediated methods include lipid-based transfection reagents — TransFectin™ lipid reagent for delivery of plasmid DNA and siLentFect™ lipid reagent for siRNA delivery.

The Gene Pulser Xcell™ system is a modular electroporation system for transfecting every cell type. The system includes a main unit, a ShockPod™ cuvette chamber, and your choice of accessory modules: the capacitance extender (CE module) and the pulse controller (PC module)

Features and Benefits

Universal electroporation — transfects all cell types, from primary and stem cells to bacteria and yeast

Gene Pulser Xcell total electroporation system (catalog #165-2660) — the complete electroporation system for transfection of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells; includes both the CE module, and the PC module

Gene Pulser Xcell eukaryotic electroporation system (catalog #165-2661) — for the electroporation of most eukaryotic cells, including mammalian cells and plant protoplasts; includes the CE module

Gene Pulser Xcell microbial electroporation system (catalog #165-2662) — for the electroporation of bacteria and fungi, as well as other applications where high-voltage pulses are applied to samples of small volume; includes the PC module

More Information

Features modifiable delivery parameters including time constant, actual voltage applied, pulse interval, and pulse time, depending on the waveform (exponential or square) chosen

Provides a choice of programs for manual operation, preset protocols, user protocols, and an optimization protocol

For more than 15 years, Bio-Rad has made science education a major priority. To support this effort, the company has implemented a discount policy that allows high school and college teaching laboratories to purchase kits, instruments, reagents, and other equipment at preferred prices.

How do I apply for the education discount?

If you are an educator at the high school or college level, visit our Education Discount Policy page to establish an education account number.